The Hanans

Ziv and Adar, with children Ophyr, 12; Nitzan, 9; and Gal, 4.

The Hanans moved to the United States from Israel seven years ago. In Israel, Ziv was a senior consultant in customer service, and Adar was a real estate attorney. Today, Ziv owns a coffee bar at Sachi Salon and Spa in Scottsdale, while Adar is a Hebrew teacher at the Jess Schwartz Jewish Community Day School. She also tutors for Bar/Bat Mitzvahs and is a licensed realtor in Arizona.

Where will you spend the holidays this year?
At home. We love to cook, bake and entertain with our family here in town.

What are your annual holiday traditions?
We light the Hannukiyah (Hanukkah Menorah) every night; we give gifts, -not every night, -but a few times during the eight days of Hanukkah; we sing Hebrew songs; eat latkes and Sufganiyot (Hanukkah doughnuts); and invite family and friends to celebrate with us.

What’s the most memorable holiday moment from past years?
New Year’s Eve in Las Vegas. We drove up to a high view point and saw 12 hotels display fireworks all at once. It was amazing!

What are you most looking forward to this holiday season?
Just to be together and have fun. Hopefully, Adar’s brother and sister-in-law from Israel will be able to join us.

Do you attend or host any favorite holiday parties?
We host a Hanukkah party every year. At least one.

What are your New Year’s Eve plans?
Usually, since the children are young, we like to invite friends over to our house. We cook a good meal, drink some good wine and talk. Sometimes we watch the New Year’s Eve parties from around the world on TV or play games.

What do you want for Hanukkah?
Ophyr: A pet or a computer game or new songs for her iPod. Nitzan: Maxus Dragonoid Bakugan. Gal: Board games.

What’s the best gift you ever received?
Our kids’ homemade gifts are the best.

Do you have a favorite holiday song?
‘My Tiny Candles’ (in Hebrew) and ‘White Christmas.’

Any favorite holiday decoration?
Lighting a Hannukiyah in the window. We also love Christmas ornaments.